The popularity of salon-only skincare brands is on the increase, but is it all clever marketing or are there real benefits?
Back in the old days, a good skincare regime consisted of simply cleansing, toning and moisturising. Today however, the one-twothree step has given way to as many steps as one cares to indulge in – exfoliants, serums, eye creams, wrinkle creams, sun protection factors – the list goes on, and naturally there are hundreds of relevant product options for consumers to choose from. Skincare products of wildly varying price and quality are available in pharmacies, beauty salons and even supermarkets. And while some are hugely effective (and price is not always an indicator of effectiveness), there is a perception that skincare and cosmeceutical brands which are exclusively, or almost exclusively, available in salons and spas are better and more expensive than their mass marketed competitors.
Vivien Gardiner, director of Erase Skin Rejuvenation Specialists, believes the popularity of salon brands is down to the simple fact that they work. As she points out, ‘Consumers are extremely well educated and are able to make an informed choice when searching for a skincare brand.’ So while we all fall for a bit of hype or pretty packaging every now and again, to subscribe to a skincare system and to keep going back again and again suggests the products are indeed truly effective and consumers choose them because of it.
Choice?
Choosing a salon brand such as Jan Marini, Payot, Dermalogica, Yon Ka or Guinot is not just about cleansers and moisturisers. These brands are salon-only for specific reasons. For many of them the face and body treatments offered in salons are as much a part of the brand as the products themselves – and the work carried out by the therapist to assess skin and recommend specific products is the most important aspect of all. Kirby Hookham, an Ella Bache therapist based in Ellenbrook, WA says, ‘A customer’s experience with the brand is definitely influenced by a positive experience in a salon. When they come out of their treatment feeling amazing and seeing the effects of the professional treatment on their skin they are probably more inclined to continue with home care products. They feel confident about the brand and the products they will be using on their skin.’
So by selecting a salon range you are not just buying products to put on your face, you’re getting expertise and advice and, hopefully, the perfect range of potions to suit your exact skin concerns. As Gardiner puts it, ‘You will be provided with an effective skin management system that not only works but also specifically addresses your individual needs.’
But what about the products themselves – are there any real differences between salon brands and more widely available products? Are they more effective? It seems they may be. ‘As with any brand, salon brands are carefully regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Association (TGA) but they are far more active than mass market skincare brands,’ says Gardiner. ‘Salon brands target problem areas head on; they are extremely effective and are results driven.’ Hookham agrees and says, ‘The quality of ingredients plus the extensive nature of the range means that you will achieve much better results on your skin.’
It’s worth noting that many of these brands do have more potent products, which need to be prescribed by the therapist, so it’s not a good idea to select and investigate random products yourself. Hookham explains, ‘The salon therapist is able to diagnose your skin and talk to you about your skin concerns, so you can be sure the products are exactly what your skin needs. Ella BachÌ© believes that no two skins are alike, and so each skin is treated according to its individual needs.’
The fact the products have been selected by the therapist to suit your particular skin concerns is one of the key benefits of selecting a salon brand. As many products work best in combination with each other, a skilled beauty therapist’s advice is invaluable for achieving the best results. However, while some consumers wholeheartedly embrace a complete regime within one brand, others may have a favourite product elsewhere or may prefer to dip in and out of different ranges. This may not offer the best results, and can even cause adverse reactions in some cases, or the products may cancel each other out in some way.
‘It is important you don’t have too many different brands in your skincare regime as some products may counteract the other. If you stick to having the majority of your products from one brand and add one or two products from another brand, that is generally okay,’ Gardiner explains. ‘Individuals who visit Erase Skin Rejuvenation Specialists, for example, have their skin assessed and are placed on a skin management system containing products by Jan Marini Skin Research and one or two products from Erase Product Management.’
People often dismiss salon brands as expensive and too costly to use as a daily regime. ‘The perception in the market place is that salon brands are far more expensive than a brand from a retail store,’ Gardiner says. ‘The truth of the matter is that salon brands are not much more expensive than many of the high-end mass-market brands and, in some instances, they are cheaper! Consumers are paying for a skin management system that is effective, targets their problem areas and is definitely results driven.’
According to Hookham, some people start out slowly and move on from there. ‘Some customers will buy a few key products to start with and others will go all-out and get everything!’ she says. ‘In the end clients usually end up slowly adding products to their collection.’
Once the correct range of products has been selected and used by the therapist, it is relatively easy for a customer to continue using the regime at home. ‘It’s very easy to start on a home care regime; you have your daily products and weekly products,’ says Hookham. ‘It only takes a couple of minutes every day to care for your skin, and it’s well worth setting those couple of minutes aside to do so. Don’t forget, you have to look at your face forever, so skincare is a very valuable investment!’
A therapist can also offer tips and advice on obtaining the best out from a product, such as using them in conjunction with facial massage techniques to encourage drainage and reduce puffiness.
And for someone who’s thinking about switching to a salon brand, Gardiner’s advice is simple – do your research. ‘I recommend that individuals look for a brand that is both highly respected and effective!’ she says. ‘They should definitely research brands and seek advice from salon professionals for the best skin management system.’
